Validation study for the determination of tetracycline residues in animal tissues.

An interlaboratory study of the liquid chromatographic (LC) determination of tetracyclines--oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TTC), and chlortetracycline (CTC)--in animal tissues was conducted. Isolation was performed with oxalic buffer followed by dechelation and deproteination with oxalic acid-acetonitrile. The extract was cleaned with a styrene-divinylbenzene cartridge. LC analysis was performed with a PLRP-S column and 0.01 M oxalic acid-acetonitrile (75 + 25, v/v) as mobile phase. Participants analyzed 2 control and 10 fortified porcine muscle and kidney samples. Additionally, porcine muscle samples containing incurred residues of tetracyclines were analyzed. Mean recoveries of fortified residues from porcine tissue ranged from 76.00 to 86.89%. Repeatabilities varied from 2.05% for OTC to 3.61% for TTC for muscle samples and from 6.75% for CTC to 8.74% for OTC for kidney samples. Reproducibilities ranged from 2.05 to 4.30% for muscle samples and from 15.77 to 18.81% for kidney samples.

Sonographic evaluation of infiltrating lobular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC), which accounts for 7-10% of all breast malignancies, often poses diagnostic difficulties. The purpose of our study was to correlate the clinical, mammographic, and sonographic findings in each histologic subtype of ILC and to evaluate the sensitivity of sonography in its diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 208 cases of invasive lobular carcinoma. In 81 of these tumors, sonography was performed to further examine a mammographically invisible palpable abnormality or a mammographically subtle lesion. A dedicated breast pathologist classified each of these tumors as pure invasive lobular carcinoma or mixed invasive lobular and ductal carcinoma. Pure ILC tumors were further subclassified as one of five histologic subtypes. We retrospectively studied the clinical, mammographic, and sonographic findings in each histologic tumor subtype. RESULTS: The most common sonographic appearance of ILC was a heterogeneous, hypoechoic mass with angular or ill-defined margins and posterior acoustic shadowing, which was seen in 60.5% (49/81) of tumors. Of the remaining 32 tumors, 15% (12/81) showed focal shadowing without a discrete mass, 12% (10/81) appeared as a lobulated, well-circumscribed mass, and 12% (10/81) were sonographically invisible. Although considerable overlap occurred among histologic subtypes, classic ILC tended to present as focal shadowing without a discrete mass; pleomorphic ILC typically was seen as a shadowing mass; and, of all the tumor subtypes, signet, alveolar, and solid ILC were most likely to be revealed on sonography as a lobulated, well-circumscribed mass. In the 81 mammographically subtle or invisible lesions, sonography detected the tumor in 87.7% (71/81). The sensitivity of sonography in tumors smaller than 1 cm was 85.7% (12/14). CONCLUSION: High-resolution sonography of the breast is a useful adjunct in the evaluation of ILC, a neoplasm that frequently presents a clinical and mammographic diagnostic challenge.

The USDA perspective on dioxin concentrations in dairy and beef.

The major dioxin-related research activities in the United States Department of Agriculture are 1) a survey of dioxin levels in beef samples collected at 13 experiment stations throughout the United States, 2) a feeding study of eight dioxins, four furans, and three PCB at levels equal to or above levels expected at highly industrialized locations, and 3) metabolism studies of 14C-labeled dioxin congeners. Preliminary results indicate that geographical location may influence dioxin concentrations in beef and that bulls may have concentrations higher than those in other slaughter animals. Metabolism of nontoxic congeners seems to be rather complex, involving the arene oxide pathway, NIH type shifting of chlorine, and conjugation with sulfuric acid and glucuronic acids.

Mammography of breasts in which catheter cuffs have been retained: normal, infected, and postoperative appearances.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to show that Dacron (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) cuffs retained in breasts after the removal of Hickman catheters may result in complications requiring radiographic evaluation for subsequent management. We also describe potential complications, including infection, associated with a retained cuff and changes after the removal of a retained cuff. CONCLUSION: Because of the increased use of Hickman catheters for central vein access, Dacron cuffs more frequently are retained in breasts and are likely to be seen on mammograms. Radiologists need to be aware of the mammographic findings of a normal cuff, infected cuff, and the site of a surgically excised cuff.

Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric confirmation of ten N-methylcarbamate insecticides in liver.

A gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) confirmation procedure for 10 phenyl-N-methyl-carbamate insecticides in liver tissue was developed. The extract from liquid chromatography (LC) is purified with a C18 solid-phase extraction cartridge and then derivatized with heptafluorobutyric anhydride; the derivative is injected for analysis by GC/MS with electron ionization and multiple ion monitoring. The identity of the derivative is confirmed by comparison of its retention time and relative intensity data with those of a standard. Liver extracts from the LC procedure containing carbamates at 10 ppb levels were successfully confirmed by this procedure.

Analyte stability study of N-methylcarbamate pesticides in beef and poultry liver tissues by liquid chromatography.

To optimize conditions for sample collection, preparation, storage, and analysis and to assure the validity of our previously published liquid chromatographic (LC) method for carbamate analysis in tissue, stabilities of 16 N-methylcarbamates in beef, duck, and chicken liver tissues were studied by using 2 sampling protocols. Tissue samples were fortified at room temperature to a concentration 5 to 10 times greater than either the Environmental Protection Agency tolerance level for each compound (if established) or the concentration used in the previously published method. Thereafter, samples were continuously frozen at -4 degrees C for varying time intervals. In the first study, samples were analyzed one day (initial) and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months after fortification. In the second study, samples were analyzed one day (initial) and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after fortification. For each residue and species, a minimum of 4 samples were analyzed by LC at each point in time, and the mean represented analyte concentration at the end of each time interval. Rates of residue depletion varied among analytes and among species. Depletion rates were greater in duck livers than in beef livers. Methomyl and oxamyl were depleted completely within 2 weeks. Between 2 and 6 months after sample fortification, residue depletions to levels below detection limits were observed for aldicarb, aldicarb sulfoxide, aldicarb sulfone, dioxacarb, promecarb, propoxur, and bendiocarb. The initial loss of certain carbamates during sample preparation in tissues exposed to room temperature for up to 8 h was greater than the subsequent rate of loss. Results indicate that cryogenic conditions are required for sample preparation and storage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Extension of a liquid chromatographic method for N-methylcarbamate pesticides in cattle, swine, and poultry liver.

Liver samples of bovine, swine, and poultry were fortified with 0, 5, 10, and 20 ppb mixed standards of an additional 6 carbamates as part of a method extension study. Each of the 3 species in this study was analyzed 4 times at 0, 5, 10, and 20 ppb fortification levels. The average of 12 recoveries of 6 carbamates at all 3 fortification levels was greater than 90%, with a maximum coefficient of variation less than 18%.

Identification of a family of bacteriophage T4 genes encoding proteins similar to those present in group I introns of fungi and phage.

The bacteriophage T4 segA gene lies in a genetically unmapped region between the gene beta gt (beta-glucosyltransferase) and uvsX (recombination protein) and encodes a protein of 221 amino acids. We have found that the first 100 amino acids of the SegA protein are highly similar to the N termini of four other predicted T4 proteins, also of unknown function. Together these five proteins, SegA-E (similar to endonucleases of group I introns), contain regions of similarity to the endonuclease I-Tev I, which is encoded by the mobile group I intron of the T4 td gene, and to putative endonucleases of group I introns present in the mitochondria of Neurospora crassa, Podospora anserina, and Saccharomyces douglasii. Intron-encoded endonucleases are required for the movement (homing) of the intron DNA into an intronless gene, cutting at or near the site of intron insertion. Our in vitro assays indicate that SegA, like I-Tev I, is a Mg(2+)-dependent DNA endonuclease that has preferred sites for cutting. Unlike the I-Tev I gene, however, there is no evidence that segA (or the other seg genes) resides within introns. Thus, it is possible that segA encodes an endonuclease that is involved in the movement of the endonuclease-encoding DNA rather than in the homing of an intron.

Immunoscintigraphy of colorectal carcinoma utilizing 111In-labeled monoclonal antibody conjugate CYT-103.

Twelve presurgical patients with colorectal carcinoma received a single intravenous infusion of 0.5-20.0 mg of the radiolabeled monoclonal antibody conjugate CYT-103. This product is an immunoconjugate of B72.3 labeled with Indium-111 (111In). Patients underwent preoperative gamma camera imaging and computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the abdomen and pelvis. Fifteen intraabdominal sites of tumor were found at surgery. Monoclonal antibody imaging detected 87% of these lesions, whereas CT of the abdomen and pelvis detected 47%. Monoclonal antibody imaging identified tumor in 27% of the patients in which CT did not identify any sites of tumor. The results of this study indicate that monoclonal antibody imaging using [111In]CYT-103 is useful for the preoperative evaluation of colorectal carcinoma patients and the results are complimentary to CT of the abdomen and the pelvis.

Implantation techniques: a primary consideration in valve surgery.

Clean site preparation for a prosthesis is mandatory to avoid tissue interference with the prosthesis. Oversizing of a prosthesis is fraught with peril. In all types of prostheses, orientation has importance. A prosthesis is designed with consideration for axial flow. Tilting the valve in implantation will likely result in a dysfunctional valve. The sewing ring serves not as a gasket but as an additional factor that increases the possibilities of success of a properly implanted valve by taking advantage of its naturally compliant features.

Sonographic definition of the empty follicle syndrome.

The sonographic definition of the empty follicle syndrome is presented in a group of 89 consecutive, unmedicated menstrual cycles in women with primary or secondary infertility. The incidence of the empty follicle syndrome was found to be 50%. The incidence increased with age and was independent of gravidity or the type of follicular rupture (or lack of rupture). These data suggest that the empty follicle syndrome may represent a significant etiologic factor in infertility or other reproductive abnormalities.

Changing pesticide technology in meat and poultry products.

In response to consumer concerns about pesticide residues in meat and poultry, a National Residue Program was introduced in the 1960s. Rapidly developing analytical methods and instrument capability resulted in a laboratory-based program of sufficient size and technical capability to quantitatively determine an increasing number of pesticides. In 1985, at the request of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the National Academy of Sciences evaluated the program and recommended that more emphasis be placed on preventing residues and providing a higher degree of safety to consumers. In response, FSIS made a commitment to increase and improve capability to test for more residues, including pesticides, and to develop or purchase rapid test systems to facilitate the planned expansion of the National Residue Program. Such systems are now being evaluated and integrated into the program. Factors important for acceptability of rapid tests are reviewed in detail.

Chemical analysis of meat products.

Meat, particularly muscle tissue, is basically a 3-component system of protein, moisture, and fat. Although this seems a simple analytical system in which to monitor product composition for regulatory compliance, the simplicity quickly erodes when meat is formulated into the broad variety of products commercially available today. Alternative protein sources, as well as preservatives, binders, extenders, emulsifiers, spices, and other flavoring ingredients, add to the analytes of concern and highlight the need for analytical methods suitable to support inspection and labeling requirements to ensure product compliance. Some key issues are noted which involve protein quality analysis, rapid compositional analysis, isolated soy protein analysis, and minced fish in meat products.